We (two seniors) have decided to select three islands to island hop. One is definitely Milos. What would be the other two close by? Have been to Santorini and Crete and Mykonos is not our thing. Looking for culture, geography, geology. Thanks.
Posted by
France Southwest
2181 posts
To do island hopping you need to know the ferry lines, which islands they go to and with which companies and types of ferries.
If you have chosen Milos which is in the Western Cyclades, the most obvious islands for island hopping are all those in this same island group. Namely, in order from the port of Piraeus:
- Kithnos
- Serifos
- Sifnos
- Kimolos
- Milos
- Folegandros
- Sikinos
You should also know that going from one island to another, when possible, and even if they are close, can take a large part of the day.
And there aren't necessarily ferries every day.
Visiting 3 islands and spending 3 or 4 full days on each requires approximately 2 weeks if the ferry connections allow it
Apart from Sikinos I know these islands in the Western Cyclades.
They are all very different from Milos and different from each other.
Kimolos is easiest to reach from Milos by taking a ferry from the port of Pollonia (north of Milos).
To optimize your island hopping trip I recommend that you start with Milos and continue going north (closer to the port of Piraeus).
Study a map, see official island websites and look at ferry timetables before choosing destinations that might not be possible.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1199 posts
First of all how much time do you have for the the islands?
As mentioned above every time you move from one island to another eats up time, not just on the ferry but packing/unpacking, settling in, etc.
If you have a minimum of 10 days then three islands is do able but you have to make sure the islands you want to visit are on the same ferry run.
Having said that even 10 days for three islands means probably 2 1/2 days max on each island which I don't feel is worth the effort.
If you had 2 weeks it's do able.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Many thanks for the info.
We plan 7-8 days since we will also visit Athens and the Peloponnese peninsula. What website is the best for the ferry schedules??
Posted by
France Southwest
2181 posts
When is your trip planned?
With only 7-8 days, 3 islands is not possible. 2 islands is a maximum and it will be very short
Regarding ferry timetables see ferryhopper:
https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/#/
Be aware that ferry timetables are not always published well in advance. Sometimes only 2 months in advance and some can be canceled a few weeks before.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Planning 2025 late August/early September. Three islands, two ferry trips not including to/from Piraeus. Should be doable.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1199 posts
Three islands in 7-8 days is something I wouldn't even consider as you'll spend a lot of time on a ferry going from one island to another IF there is even ferries available when you need one.
Stick to 2 at most Milos/Sifnos is a good combination.
Even then I would spend my time on just one island and slow down and enjoy Greek life.
Posted by
France Southwest
2181 posts
Yes it is doable. You could even "see" 4 islands in 8 days by staying a few hours on each island.
But since you are asking for advice, I will give you mine after 30 years of traveling in the Greek islands:
Staying on an island for two days is of no interest from a discovery point of view and only hassle from a transport point of view.
Any other regular visitor to the Greek islands knows that.
If you think you have a good plan that works for you on paper, it's up to you. It's your vacation.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Thank you for all the comments. Completely understand concern for time and logistics. Alternative is an expensive cruise where the island stops are 8-12 hours. What can you see then? They seem to focus on food and swimming, huh?
We will stick with three islands and maybe add one day.